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Deaths in Tajikistan Church Blasts Rise to 7
The death toll of the blasts at the Korean Christian mission outside the Tajik capital of Dushanbe has risen to seven, with about 50 people injured, Interfax reported Monday.
Two powerful blasts rocked the building of a Christian Korean mission on the southwestern outskirts of Dushanbe during a church service Sunday, killing at least five people on the spot and injuring scores of others, Russian media reported Sunday.
The explosions occurred at about 11:40 a.m. local time (0840 GMT) when a cult service was in progress at the mission. Two of the wounded were so badly hurt that there was no chance for them to survive, Russian media cited Tajik law enforcement agencies Sunday.
But Interfax quoted local police as saying Monday that three people died on the spot and four others died later in hospitals and the nature of the wounds suggests that one of the blasts ripped through a small crowded room.
Two explosive devices whose power is estimated at 800 grams of TNT went off in the mission three-story building, said the police. One bombing device had been planted at the top story of the building and the other -- in the prayer hall at the first floor. The second blast occurred within minutes after the first one while the crowded rushing out of the hall.
The motive of the bombing attacks is under investigation. Nobody claimed responsibility for the incident.
The Korean mission head is said to be staying in the United States.
The mission has been promoting Taekwondo wrestling as well as religious activities in Tajikistan.
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